Page 1
For Nikon Coolpix F3 and F4
Digital Cameras
FP-4
FP-4
OPERA TORS MANUAL
Page 2
1
pg.7
Care & Maintenance: ............................
pg.16
Using the flash: .....................................
pg.12
Accessory slave flash: ................................................
Lens accessories: ........................................................
pg.13
pg.13
Battery life: ............................................
pg.12
Using the fantasea FP-4 housing.....................
pg.8
Opening the Housing: ..................................................
Inserting Camera: ............................................................
Checking the gasket: ...................................................
Closing the housing: ....................................................
pg.8
pg.8
pg.9
pg.10
General information: ..............................
pg.2
The Fantasea FP-4 housing: ........................................
Features: ......................................................................
Fantasea FP-4 Uses: ....................................................
General Camera description: ........................................
Nikon Coolpix F3/F4 feature highlights: ........................
pg.2
pg.2
pg.2
pg.7
Table of contents.....................................
pg.1
Exposure Modes:
(Pre-set before camera insertion)
......
Zoom control: ..............................................................
Macro focus: ...............................................................
Quick review: ..............................................................
Camera standby mode: ..............................................
pg.14
pg.15
pg.15
pg.15
pg.15
Shooting Techniques: ............................
pg.14
Viewing the subject: ...............................
pg.11
Taking the picture: .......................................................
Choosing image files: ..................................................
pg.11
pg.11
Flood insurance: ...................................
pg.17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Manual for the FP-4
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General Information:
The Fantasea FP-4 housing:
Fantasea has specially designed a housing for the Nikon Coolpix
F3 and F4 digital cameras. The housing, dedicated to these two
cameras (which are physically identical), insure the most compact
design for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions
through the critical placement of push-button controls.
The Fantasea FP-4 housing is designed as an underwater/outdoor
camera housing. It has a working depth of 130 feet/40 meters.
Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all
the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor
photographers also have the option of capturing the action of
such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and
boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping,
and for family activities around the swimming pool or at the
beach. The Fantasea FP-4 will protect those Coolpix cameras
from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.
Fantasea FP-4 Uses:
Features
The FP-4 housings provide a built in Flash Diffuser and an antiglare hood over the LCD screen.
Control Features include:
This housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers
who enjoy the camera's automatic exposure features for capturing
fast action pictures easily and creatively.
On switch
Flash
Zoom
Macro
Exposure
Video/Still
Delete
Review
Menu
Mode
White Balance
Exposure compensation
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3
Top Side of Housing
3
4
1
2
Back Side of Housing Buttons
5
6
7
9
11
8
10
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4
Numbered description below refers to corresponding numbers
on above graphic.
1: Shutter Release button:
This is a two stage shutter-release button. First lightly press
the shutter-release button halfway, stopping when you feel
minimal resistance. Once the camera has focused, press the
shutter-release button the rest of the way down to release the
shutter and take the picture.
2: Buckle to secure housing:
Refer to the section "Using the Fantasea FP-4 Housing"
on how to open and close the camera housing.
3: Removable Flash diffuser:
To diffuse the flash's intensity [the internal flash]. See the
section on "Accessory Slave Flash" for additional information.
4: Lens Port:
Refer to the section "Inserting Camera" for useful information.
5 : Mode button:
This button when rotated is used to select one of the following
modes:
Auto shooting mode
Exposure mode
Scene mode
Movie mode
Setup mode
Image mode
ISO sensitivity mode
White balance mode
Wireless transfer mode
6 : Zoom Out:
The zoom control is used to frame subjects in the monitor.
Press W to zoom out, increasing the area visible in the frame.
An indicator on the monitor shows the amount of zoom when
the zoom buttons are pressed.
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The zoom indicator will turn yellow when the digital zoom
is in effect.
9: Center OK button:
This button authorizes [confirms] the selections made when
the Delete, Menu and Rotary Multi selector buttons are used.
Must be swiveled into place when pressing OK and see that
it does not interfere with the action of the Rotary Multi
Selector button.
Note!
Before making a selection from the Rotary Selector
button, be sure the flange of the OK button is moved
away from the Multi Selector field. You may have to
move the Menu button flange to a different position to
accommodate proper placement of the OK button
7: Zoom In:
When the camera is zoomed in to the maximum magnification
[3.5x] in optical zoom, holding the T down for approximately
2 seconds will produce the digital zoom. Note that unlike the
optical zoom, the digital zoom will not increase the amount
of detail visible in the picture they are simply enlarged
producing a slightly grainy image therefore not recommended
especially underwater due to image quality.
An indicator on the monitor shows the amount of zoom when
the zoom buttons are pressed.
The zoom indicator will turn yellow when the digital zoom
is in effect.
8: Menu:
The menu control allows for the following functions:
Shooting
playback
movie
setup menus
These are available when the requested mode is selected
[button#5] and then the Menu button is pressed. The Menu
screen is navigated using the Multi selector and OK buttons
[# 9 and 10].
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11: Play/Delete button:
Swivel button has a dual function to engage either the Play
or Delete button:
10: Rotary Multi Selector:
The rotary multi selector is used to navigate the camera
menus. Rotate in either direction [up, down, left or right] to
highlight items and press the center OK [#9] button to select.
The buttons on the Multi selector are also used to:
Display the Flash menu
Display the exposure compensation setting screen
Display the Focus menu
Display the self timer menu
Transfer pictures through wireless feature [P3]
Note!
Once you have made your selection on the Rotary Multi
Selector, swing the flange around of the OK button
directly over the 'confirm' area in the center of the
Rotary Selector and press down on the OK button to
validate your selection.
Delete
To delete the current displayed picture [in Shooting mode]
in the monitor , press the Delete button. Two options appear:
No or Yes. Highlight option Yes and press the OK center
button [#9]; picture is deleted. Highlight option No and press
the OK center button [#9]; return to the playback screen.
Additionally, pressing the Delete button in full-frame or
thumbnail playback displays the same dialog requesting
confirmation for deletion. Follow the directions as stated
above to delete.
Play
Press this button while in Shooting mode to view pictures in
full-screen playback mode.
When the camera is off, pressing this button for approximately
1 second will turn the camera on in full-screen playback mode.
When W [zoom button] is pressed in full-screen playback
mode, pictures are displayed as contact sheets.
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A range of advanced imaging features make the Nikon Coolpix P4 stands
out from other compact digital cameras, giving photographers greater
control to produce shots that match their discreet personal tastes.
The Coolpix F-3 and F-4 is 8.1 megapixels. With high resolution
and the outstanding quality of other Nikon features, such as optical
performance, you will be able to produce high quality images of
the thrilling outdoor activities in which you participate. Another
feature includes a 3.5x optical zoom, 2.5in LCD, with which to
compose and review photos, 16 selectable scene modes, which
optimize camera settings for common conditions and subjects.
General Camera Description:
Note!
It is strongly recommended that you familiarize
yourself with all the controls topside before using
these controls while diving.
Nikon says the "P" in its P line of Coolpix models stands for
Performance, and on specs alone the Nikon Coolpix P3 and P4
seem to come loaded with some pretty decent firepower. Both
models offer a new 1/1.8-inch CCD chip with 8.1 mega pixels
of image resolution and introduce Vibration Reduction (VR) and
optical image stabilization into its consumer-targeted Coolpix
line.. Both models are similar: the P3 is WiFi enabled while the
P4 is not.
Nikon COOLPIX F3/F4 Feature Highlights
Nikon Coolpix P3/P4 Camera - V ibration Reduction And Monitor
VR Normal compensates for the minor movements that can happen all
too easily during handheld shooting, while VR Active compensates for
more pronounced movements, so you can even achieve rock-steady
results while shooting from a moving vehicle, for example.
Nikon P3/P4 Camera - Auto Focus
Operation of the Nikon Coolpix P4 is exceptionally smooth and userfriendly. Icons are clearer and have optimal proportions, users can opt
to select functions by either name or icon, and all menus and icons have
been created with a new colour scheme that's easier on the eye.
Nikon P3/P4 Camera Digital Camera - Operation And Design
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Using the Fantasea FP-4 housing:
Opening The Housing:
Observe that the locking mechanism has 2 recessed spring tabs.
Place the lower corner of the housing against your stomach
and with 2 fingers, press these tabs together while your other
hand frees the rounded housing latch by gently pulling upwards.
Next, release the flanged locking mechanism from the other
half of the housing and the housings will open.
1.
2.
The Nikon Coolpix P4 features a selection of three Nikon innovations
that give the photographer the ability to actually improve the quality of
images in-camera. The Face-priority AF function has the ability to
cleverly locate the presence of human faces in the frame and then provide
optimized focus accordingly for sharper portraits time after time.
Nikon Coolpix Software - Image Correction
The Coolpix F3 features the additional advantage of built-in Wi-Fi
capability to add further enjoyment and flexibility to digital photography .
Built-In Wi-Fi
Inserting Camera:
Since the Fantasea's FP-4 was specifically designed for the
Coolpix P3 and P4 digital cameras, insertion is a simple matter
of placing the camera in the housing.
2.
After camera insertion, be sure that the extended camera lens
does not catch or bend the black rubber seat on the inside of
the lens port. It is vital that the lens does not disturb this rubber
seat.
Make sure the camera lens is centered in the rounded port area
and that the lens does not distort the round black rubber seat.
The housing is designed to have the camera fit in place perfectly ,
but if you are not careful, it is possible to put it in at an improper
angle and hence it will be impossible to get a good seal or easy
closure of the housing.
1.
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It is recommended to make some camera
settings prior to inserting into the housing.
Please refer to the Coolpix owner's manual
for menu options and personal preferences to
choose from.
1.
Take a few test shots: it is recommended to
turn the camera "on" and program to "Flash
Always" mode before inserting into housing
and then take test shots to make sure all
systems are working.
2.
Notes:
Checking the Gasket:
Prior to each closure of the housing the gasket seal should be
visually inspected. If there is any debris present, including dirt,
sand, dust, hair, grease or other matter, it must be cleaned to
insure a proper watertight seal.
Underwater photographers will probably want to set the flash
mode to the flash always setting to insure they always have a
flash with every exposure. It is also wise to set the focus mode
to allow the lens to focus in the macro range for capturing great
images of the tiny and exotic subjects that you can find
underwater.
Cleaning the gasket is a simple matter of wiping it with a damp,
soft cloth to remove the foreign matter. Be careful the cloth
you use does not leave any of its own material behind as this
can also affect the effectiveness of the gasket.
1.
2.
It is not necessary to remove the gasket for cleaning unless
visual inspection determines that there is foreign matter
underneath the gasket as well. If this occurs, be sure the
surface of the housing is also clean and wiped free of any
debris.
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Since the gasket on the Fantasea FP-4 is face-toface/compression sealed, and is not subject to friction as
it is closed, there is no need to lubricate it. Grease or any
other form of lubrication does not help seal the housing.
It only reduces friction, which is commonly present if the
housing has an O-ring seal. Lubricating the gasket before
use could cause it to slip out of its groove, and not form
a proper seal: therefore no silicon or other lubricants
should be used.
The gasket should also be checked visually for any cracks
or perforations. If any part of the gasket shows signs of
wear or damage, it is imperative that it be changed befor e
going into the water.
If the gasket is removed from the channel groove it sits
in, be sure to get it completely back into place so it is
properly seated. Starting at one corner, press the gasket
with your finger and feel it seat into its channel gr oove.
Then continue this procedure continuously in one dir ection,
round its perimeter, until the entire gasket has been
pressed flat into place. Go over it a second time to be sur e
it is properly in place. Then you ar e ready to clean it, give
it a final visual inspection, and close the housing.
Info:
Gasket
Closing the Housing:
2.
Never force the housing closed; if it does not close easily,
please check to make sure that the camera is well seated and
that the lens is sitting properly in the port area and not distorting
the rubber seat.
It is most important to check to make sure the rectangular rubber
gasket [blue or black] is seated correctly in its niche [not raised
at any point and sitting in its groove] and that there is no sand, dirt
or any other foreign object on its surface. Do not use any lubricant
whatsoever on this gasket especially silicon grease which will
distort it. Make sure that the black wrist lanyard is not jammed
into the housing during the closing procedure.
3.
Bring the two halves of the housing together with one hand
[squeezing your thumb on one side and your other fingers on the
other until the two halves touch and hold securely in that position.
With the other hand, attach the flange to the body of the camera
and gently lower the rounded latch until it snaps into place.
1.
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The P3 and P4 cameras do not have the standard eyepiece but
underwater photographers and outdoor photographers will
appreciate the large LCD viewing monitor for composing
photographs. The LCD monitor will allow you to see your subject
in sharp focus and framed properly. Hold the camera housing in
your outstretched arm at a position that is both comfortable and
also allows you to easily see the LCD monitor, for best
compositional options.
Viewing the Subject:
Choosing Image Files:
There are several image file options to choose from that offer different
resolution and file sizes. This determination must be made prior to
camera insertion from Menu options. Please refer to the Coolpix
instruction manual for details on setting these preferences.
Taking the Picture:
Once you have composed your scene or subject in the LCD
monitor, depress the shutter release button to take the picture. A
half depress will activate the live viewing ability of the LCD and
allow the camera to focus, once in focus and ready to shoot a
green light will appear on the LCD monitor and the camera is
ready to take the picture. Press down the shutter all the way to
complete image capture. You may notice a pre-flash and slight
delay in the shutter release. This is to allow the camera to make
its final focus and exposure calculations before taking the picture.
With a little practice, you will become used to this and taking
pictures of moving subjects will become easier and natural.
4.
Always take the first dive without your camera in the
housing just to make sure there is no leakage fr om damage
to the housing. During the dive especially at the beginning
of descent take special care to look at the housing to
make sure no bubbles are escaping from it and that no
water is entering. Generally, if there is a problem with the
seal, you will discover it in the first seconds of the dive.
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Battery life:
The Lithium-ion battery that comes with the Coolpix is very
efficient and lasts for more than enough time for a typical photo
dive. However, there are certain things that users can control to
help with battery life. The most important is to set the camera to
turn the LCD off after a short time, during periods of non-use.
It can then be automatically turned back on if you depress the
shutter release control half way. Please refer to the Coolpix
instruction manual for details on how to make this adjustment
setting. It is always wise to have backup batteries in case you do
run out of power. The supplied battery can be recharged many
times and offer an economical and environmentally friendly
power source.
Using The Flash:
The Coolpix has a built-in flash, which will illuminate nearby
underwater subjects. For subjects that are farther away , an accessory
slave flash is recommended. (See Below .) A built-in flash dif fuser
is supplied which will help achieve a wider and softer light source
thereby providing more coverage and less likelihood of backscatter
(the unattractive snowstorm affect of the flash reflecting off the
suspended particles in the water). Further reduction of backscatter
can be achieved by using an accessory off-camera slave flash.
This will be discussed in more detail.
The need for artificial light to maximize color reproduction is
necessary in nearly all pictures. Therefore it is strongly
recommended that you set the flash mode to Flash Always. This
will insure the flash fires on every exposure regardless of the
ambient light conditions. (Please refer to the camera s instruction
manual for more details.)
Outdoor photographers do not have this same concern. There is
no backscatter to be concerned with, and due to the ability of the
flash to travel farther and more effectively in air as compared to
in water, there is normally not a need for an accessory flash to
provide proper illumination for most subjects.
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Accessory Slave flash:
Lens Accessories:
The Fantasea FP-4 is designed to work with some of the wideangle and macro adapters that are currently on the market. Fantasea
Line offers a macro/wide angle converter lens adapter for this
purpose. The converter lens can be used with one of its two
elements for super macro images, or with both of its elements
for great wide angle images. Red Filters which go over the lens
port or on the converter lens itself are also available. For more
information on these items, see your local photo dealer or visit
our website at www.fantasea.com
Fantasea Coolpix Accessory Systems and Sets:
Fantasea Offers a variety of Coolpix (and other housings) sets
made up of quality accessory products which serve to enhance
and improve your underwater images. Products like external flash
systems, flexible arms, trays, filters, wide angle and macro lenses,
fiber optic cables and more. Below you can see one sample
system. For more information please refer to our website or to
the Fantasea Dealer where you purchased your housing.
If you should use the Coolpix built-in flash as the master , you can
trigger a second slave flash to provide more artificial light when
needed. To do this, you must use an accessory flash that has a slave
feature built in. The flash from the Coolpix must be aimed or bounced
toward the accessory flash's slave sensor , or other fiber optic sensor .
This will trigger the slave to fire in sync with the master flash.
When using an accessory slave flash with fiber optic cable, it is
recommended to black out the internal camera flash. The internal
flash is located near the camera lens and can contribute to backscatter
by illuminating floating particles close to the lens port..
If the sensor of the fiber optic cable is attached to the outside of the
housing directly above the internal flash and taped over with black
tape it will block out the light from the internal flash but transmit
the light pulse to the external slave flash.
Be sure to use a slave flash that has the ability to
ignore the built-in pre-flash in digital cameras,
and synchronizes with the shutter release.
Note!
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Shooting Techniques:
There are several exposure modes for photographers to choose
from, depending on the situation. Underwater it is recommended
that you shoot in the Auto mode on the camera in which ambient
light and artificial light will be automatically controlled by the
camera according to the lighting conditions. You can also select
different light meters to use, based on the situation and your
personal preferences. Additionally, you can choose the Auto White
Balance setting for color temperature control, or experiment with
some of the other modes to see which will work best underwater.
These settings do not have to be made ahead of any dive, as they
can be accessed through the housing controls while underwater.
Please reference the Coolpix instruction manual for details on
how to set these camera options, and under what conditions the
different choices would be used.
Coolpix Nano Flash
Coolpix Housing
LED 44 focus light
Fiber Optic Cable
Double Slot Tray
Coolpix Accessory System
2 Flex Arms
Exposure Modes: (Pre-set before camera insertion)
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Zoom in for telephoto photos and larger subject size. Zoom out
for wide-angle scenes. It is generally not recommended to use
the zoom underwater as it is preferable to get physically closer
to your subject. The digital zoom has no value at all.
Zoom Control:
For capturing the tiny and exotic subjects that require close focus.
Macro focus is possible when the lens is in the wide-angle position.
Macro Focus:
Immediate review of most recent image is available that will
confirm that you captured the shot you want. However, if you
want to scroll through your images, or delete images from the
memory card, this should be done when you are topside and the
camera is out of the housing.
Quick Review:
Camera Standby Mode:
You can access the camera's menu to choose how long a period
of inactivity before the camera goes into standby mode. Options
are 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes, and 30 minutes. This
feature allows you to conserve battery power by placing the LCD
monitor on standby [sleep mode]. It is recommended that this
option is set for 30 seconds for the following reasons: to conserve
battery power and longer periods of time will cause a warming
of the LCD screen. This will cause heating of housing and this
can produce condensation and fogging of the lens port. If this
occurs and the condensation appears on the lens port then it will
have a negative impact on the quality of the images taken.
When you want to resume shooting, pressing any button will reactivate the camera. However , if after the camera goes into standby ,
a further period of three minutes goes by without any activity,
the camera will turn off [deep sleep mode]. You can turn it back
on by pressing and holding the triangular icon button-Review/Restore [Playback] for about five seconds. The Welcome
to Nikon Coolpix screen will appear then it will display last image
taken. One additional press of the Review button will then return
the camera to active shooting mode.
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The Fantasea FP-4 housing require only a minimum amount of
care for reliable performance. The following are tips that will
enable you to get the best results.
Always rinse your housing with a strong stream of fresh
water and if possible soak your housing in fresh water tub
or rinse tank for about 20 minutes after every dive in order
to dissolve the salt water crystals from around the controls
and openings of the housing. Manipulate each of the movable
controls to assist the removal of salt particles from these
tight areas.
1.
Care & Maintenance:
Allow the housing to dry thoroughly before packing away for
the day or for the trip home. You may use a soft towel or cloth
to dry the housing. Be sure there is no grease or other debris
on the towel.
2.
Do not use grease or any other type of lubricant on the gasket
when closing the housing. It does not increase the ability of
the gasket to make a proper seal.
4.
Be careful not to get greasy fingerprints or dirt on the lens
port. This will affect the image quality. Wipe any dirt or
grease off with fresh water and a soft cloth.
5.
Do not drop the housing on hard surfaces. It is not a shock
absorber, and could crack, affecting its watertight integrity.
It could also cause damage to the camera inside.
6.
Travel with the housing protected in a padded case. It is
best to remove the camera from inside the housing when
traveling and provide it with its own protective case, or
compartment.
7.
Never dive with the Fantasea FP-4 housing to a depth greater
than 130 ft/40 meters.
8.
Visually check the condition of the gasket before every dive.
If it is dirty, clean it with fresh water and dry it with a soft
cloth as described above. If it is damaged in any way, such
as cut or perforated, replace it immediately.
3.
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It is recommended that you select the shortest time option
on the menu, for placing the camera into standby during
periods of inactivity. This will conserve battery power and
reduce the heat given off by the LCD screen, which can
contribute to condensation inside the housing and fogging.
10.
It is strongly recommended to take the first dive without the
camera inside the housing. You should check that the water
tight seal has not been affected during transport and long
periods of storage.
11.
9.
It is recommended to have annual maintenance of all Fantasea
housings. This includes visual inspection and possible
changing of all seals / gaskets / o-rings. It is recommended
to use an authorized Fantasea Service Center for this purpose.
Please contact Fantasea Line by email: [email protected]
or visit the Fantasea Customer Service section at the end of
this manual or on the Fantasea web site www.fantasea.com.
It is likewise recommended to visually monitor the housing
during every descent, especially for the first 10 meters/33 ft.
If water is observed entering the housing or bubbles escaping
from it, the housing should be rotated to a port down position
and held that way as you return to the surface immediately
and get out of the water.
12.
Flood Insurance:
Every Fantasea housing includes a one-year flood insurance policy .
Supplied by the Divers Equipment Protection Program (DEPP),
this insurance policy acts as additional protection to the warranty
and is good for one year. If your Fantasea housing experiences
water leakage in this period of time you will be compensated for
the loss of the camera. Only a small shipping charge will apply. All
insurance policies should be activated at the time of purchase. All
owners must complete the on-line product registration form by
going to www.fantasea.com and go to the Customer Support tab
and choose Product Registration; you will be taken to this page-http://www.fantasea.com/product_registration.asp where you can
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complete the form and register your housing purchase. Failure to
register the product within 30 days of purchase will result in a
shorter period of insurance coverage for your housing and may in
the end cancel the flood insurance coverage all together . Also, you
must keep the original sales receipt of your purchase, which must
be submitted in the event of a claim: include it in the box . To make
a claim go to the same page and click the banner link:
For DEPP flood insurance claims please submit
your claim to http://www.fantasea.com/claims.asp
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